Two Florida Panthers Veterans the Penguins Can't Afford to Miss in Free Agency

Let's talk about Nate Schmidt. The 33-year-old defenseman is now generating headlines in the playoffs with the Florida Panthers on a one-year, $800K deal. With a two-goal performance last night, he is worth thinking about.

Schmidt has played more than 740 NHL games across 12 seasons with Washington, Vegas, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and now Florida. He hit a career high this year by playing 80 games, more than in any previous season.

Standing at 6'0", 200 lbs, a left-handed shooter, he's proven to be a steady bottom-pair blueliner with playoff credentials and buckets of grit.

Undrafted, Schmidt earned his way into the NHL through grit and smarts. He's been traded for third-round picks twice, and the Jets just bought out his contract before Florida signed him.

His low cap hit this year shortchanges him, as he is a veteran who offers bottom-six scoring depth.

For the Penguins, he is an ideal short-term solution. Without Marcus Pettersson and with Boko Imama likely to go, Schmidt's defensive ability to protect his teammates would be a welcome addition.

A 1-year contract around the $1 million range might just secure him before a contender makes a move.

As a long shot, Pittsburgh could also consider going after Sam Bennett if Florida lets him test the market. Bennett is a gritty, two-way winger who would bring energy, scoring, and a physical presence the Penguins so desperately require.

His ruggedness and playoff experience make him the perfect candidate, but he'll cost more than Schmidt and want a longer contract, so that's a much harder situation to make work.

Still, with cap flexibility, the Penguins have choices, and Schmidt could be the best bang-for-your-buck signing they can make when adding veterans come to mind. Kyle Dubas will need to pounce on one of these two players this summer.